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enGiving back is more important — and easier — than ever!http://www.securitysystemsnews.com/blog/giving-back-more-important-and-easier-ever
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:blogPosts"><a href="/blogs/On-the-Editor%27s-Desk" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">On the Editor&#039;s Desk</a></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:author dc:creator"><a href="/staff/Paul-Ragusa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Paul Ragusa</a></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:datePublished dc:created"><span class="date-display-single" property="schema:datePublished dc:created" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2020-06-03T00:00:00-04:00">06/03/2020</span></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:articleBody content:encoded"><p>As my blog title says, giving back is more important — and easier — than ever! With all that is going on right now and so many out of work, or on furlough, or living on diminished wages, the need to give back to those who are less fortunate is becoming vitally important.</p>
<p>And thanks to a <a href="http://securitysystemsnews.com/article/mission-500-launches-m500-club-drive-participation-new-virtual-events">new fundraising campaign</a> from one of my favorite charitable organizations, <a href="https://www.mission500.org/">Mission 500</a>, it is easier than ever to raise money virtually, right there from your home, or out running, walking or biking. Mission 500 has made it easy to join the <a href="https://www.firstgiving.com/event/mission500/The-500-Club-Fundraising-Platform">M500 Club</a>, which is made up of Mission 500 supporters who have raised $500 or more by fundraising alongside a wellness or fun initiative.</p>
<p>I love that they are embracing virtual events as it is so difficult these days obviously to hold the usual fundraising events that Mission 500 is known for, such as school supply backpack builds, the 5k/2k Run/Walk at ISC West and the service trips to hard-hit places like Puerto Rico, to name just a few of the gazillion things the organization and those who support it do each year. .</p>
<p>Probably the hardest part of getting started with their <a href="https://www.firstgiving.com/event/mission500/The-500-Club-Fundraising-Platform">new virtual campaign</a> is choosing an initiative/team, as there are so many cool and healthy ways to get involved and start raising money. Below are some of the initial activities to choose from:<br />• Walking/Steps Challenge<br />• 5K Run<br />• 10K Run<br />• Half Marathon<br />• Full Marathon<br />• Cycling<br />• Buzz Challenge<br />• Musical Performance</p>
<p>In addition to the feeling of satisfaction from giving back, club members will receive a one of a kind Mission 500 jacket they can show off at industry events. You can see Ronnie Pennington from Altronix showing off the jacket <a href="https://www.firstgiving.com/event/mission500/The-500-Club-Fundraising-Platform">here</a>.</p>
<p>So I guess the only thing left to do is dust off my guitar and join the Musical Performance team and see if I can raise some money.</p>
<p>See you there!</p></div>
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<span property="dc:title" content="Giving back is more important — and easier — than ever!" class="rdf-meta element-hidden"></span>Wed, 03 Jun 2020 19:21:59 +0000Paul Ragusa21048 at http://www.securitysystemsnews.comIs working from home viable long-term?http://www.securitysystemsnews.com/blog/working-home-viable-long-term
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:blogPosts"><a href="/blogs/On-the-Editor%27s-Desk" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">On the Editor&#039;s Desk</a></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:author dc:creator"><a href="/staff/Paul-Ragusa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Paul Ragusa</a></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:datePublished dc:created"><span class="date-display-single" property="schema:datePublished dc:created" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2020-05-27T00:00:00-04:00">05/27/2020</span></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:articleBody content:encoded"><p>Typical weekday at my home: My son and I can be seen chasing our dog Blondie, trying to grab her before she escapes out the front door, which is open for some reason (my son?). Chaos ensues.</p>
<p>After countless moments like this over the past nearly three months of working from home, my blog title is a question that many of us — I am sure — are pondering these days. And I mean a LOT of us!</p>
<p>With many still working from home, others phasing back to working at the office and others taking on a more hybrid approach, it will be interesting to see what companies look like when we do finally get on the other side of this pandemic.</p>
<p>One of the unfortunate outcomes of all of this, or fortunate depending on your point of view, will be a natural gravitation toward, or push by companies for, this work-from-home model, especially if a state or company mandates or requires a phased reopening that includes social distancing, temperature testing, masks, etc.</p>
<p>Many companies are even considering changing the work-from-home and work-from-office dynamic/balance forever, allowing for more flexibility. While there are benefits to this new paradigm for both the employee and the employer, you have to wonder what will be lost with the diminished face-to-face time that will naturally occur, as well as accountability questions that will arise. Are consent forms for cameras in our home offices in the near future?</p>
<p>Zoom calls are fine, but they don’t replace actually sitting down and talking with someone eye-to-eye. The same can be said for <a href="http://securitysystemsnews.com/article/news-poll-industry-weighs-future-person-conferences">in-person conferences, as the future of those will change, too. </a></p>
<p>With this office dynamic changing forever and more of us working from home, even just part of the time, security, especially cybersecurity, also becomes a major concern. There has already been increases in <a href="http://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/cybercriminals-target-remote-workers-during-pandemic">cyberattacks on those working from home</a>, which is why companies need a strategy, policy and plan in place for securing home offices, as well as provide a secure and safe environment for employees who are going back to the office. Guidelines, training and resources for those who are now working from home is critically important for companies, as it is easy to become <a href="http://securitysystemsnews.com/blog/cyber-breach-fatigue-breeds-complacency">complacent about cybersecurity</a> during these times.</p>
<p>At the very least, I’d take a way to alert me when my dog is about to bark and dart out the front door.</p></div>
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<span property="dc:title" content="Is working from home viable long-term?" class="rdf-meta element-hidden"></span>Wed, 27 May 2020 19:56:25 +0000Paul Ragusa21035 at http://www.securitysystemsnews.comA time to recognize young security professionalshttp://www.securitysystemsnews.com/blog/time-recognize-young-security-professionals
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:blogPosts"><a href="/blogs/On-the-Editor%27s-Desk" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">On the Editor&#039;s Desk</a></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:datePublished dc:created"><span class="date-display-single" property="schema:datePublished dc:created" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2020-05-20T00:00:00-04:00">05/20/2020</span></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:articleBody content:encoded"><p>As most of you know, each year for the past 13 years, the Security Systems News team has honored a diverse, talented mix of young professionals within the security industry. Known as “20 under 40” up until last year, when we changed it to “40 under 40” to encompass the growing security industry and to include security consultants into the mix for added depth and perspective, once again, we are searching for our next “40 under 40” class of consultants, end users, integrators and monitoring professionals to celebrate their professional achievements thus far and support them into their future success within the security industry. </p>
<p>Based on nominations, our “40 under 40” Class of 2020 will be chosen; profiled in our Oct and Nov 2020 issues and on our newly designed website (coming soon); and honored at a special ceremony at <a href="http://www.securitynext.com/">SecurityNext</a> in February 2021, among a few other perks explained by Managing Editor, Ginger Hill <a href="http://www.securitysystemsnews.com/blog/40-under-40-award-nominations-open">here</a>. To nominate someone (or yourself) with excellent leadership qualities, skills and business acumen and tech-savviness with dedication and commitment to the security industry, <a href="https://bit.ly/2yBKW7f">click here</a>.</p>
<p>Mentioning SecurityNext, over half of our “40 under 40” Class of 2019 attended the event, participating in sessions, networking with industry professionals, etc., as well as living it up at their own special ceremony. Here’s what a few of last year’s class had to say about the event and how it will help them navigate their future in the industry: </p>
<p>“Diverse group! Informative topics! Excellent speakers! Great venue!” — Matt Brandon, national accounts, East, AvantGuard Monitoring Centers</p>
<p>“SecurityNext gave me an opportunity to learn more about where the industry is going and how to remain, as the industry and technology evolves. Additionally, the relationships I established will be key to my own learning and growth in this industry.” — Ebony Haywood, director, Training &amp; Development, Allied Universal </p>
<p>“The educational sessions went into greater depth than typical overview sessions, providing much more valuable training and use of my time!” —Chrissy McCutcheon, principal &amp; senior security consultant, Security By Design, Inc. </p>
<p>Brandon, Haywood and McCutcheon used their time wisely at SecurityNext, recognizing diversity; actively participating in educations sessions; learning more about the industry and the direction it is going; establishing relationships for growth; and more. </p>
<p>We invite you to become a part of the “40 under 40” Class of 2020, and attend and participate in what will be our second-annual SecurityNext event, whether in-person or virtual! </p>
<p>To get some pointers on completing the “40 under 40” nomination form, check out this <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/nominations-now-being-accepted-ginger-hill/">LinkedIn article penned by Hill</a>. </p>
<p>To learn more about SecurityNext, check out its dedicated site <a href="http://www.securitynext.com/">here</a>. </p></div>
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<a href="/taxonomy/term/11836" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Chrissy McCutcheon</a>, </div>
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<a href="/taxonomy/term/12218" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Matthew Brandon</a>, </div>
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<a href="/taxonomy/term/915" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">AvantGuard Monitoring Centers</a>, </div>
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<a href="/taxonomy/term/4326" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Security By Design</a> </div>
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<span property="dc:title" content="A time to recognize young security professionals" class="rdf-meta element-hidden"></span>Wed, 20 May 2020 19:07:37 +0000Ginger Hill21025 at http://www.securitysystemsnews.com‘40 under 40’ award nominations openhttp://www.securitysystemsnews.com/blog/40-under-40-award-nominations-open
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:datePublished dc:created"><span class="date-display-single" property="schema:datePublished dc:created" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2020-05-13T00:00:00-04:00">05/13/2020</span></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:articleBody content:encoded"><p>The #SSNTalks’ Team is passionate about recognizing diverse, talented, young security professionals representing the next generation of industry leaders via our yearly <a href="http://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/security-systems-news-welcomes-40-under-40-class-2019-winners">“40 under 40” awards</a>. We are thrilled to currently be seeking our “40 under 40” Class of 2020, comprised of consultants, integrators, monitoring professionals and end users. Submit nominations <a href="https://bit.ly/2yBKW7f">online here</a>.</p>
<p>“I have always considered <em>SSN</em>’s ‘40 under 40’ the ‘gold standard’ in our industry and being recognized really made my family and I proud that colleagues that I worked with valued my work and wanted to have me recognized,” <a href="http://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/40-under-40-class-2019-randy-guarneri-39">Randy Guarneri</a>, vice president of Loss Prevention, Fresh Value Supermarket and <em>SSN</em>’s Class of 2019 award-winner, told <em>SSN</em>. </p>
<p>The “40 under 40” Class of 2019 recognized many with military and law enforcement backgrounds, who showed how the IT sector is drawing young talent into the security industry. The Class of 2019 also gave advice on how to help diversify the industry and many were bullish on cloud, AI, machine learning and analytics. </p>
<p>“When I received word from Ginger Hill, managing editor of <em>SSN</em>, that I was selected to this illustrious group, to me, it was like a sports hall-of-famer getting that call that they were inducted into the sport they played Hall of Fame,” Guarneri remembered. “Only the ‘best of the best’ can enter this prestigious class each year.” </p>
<p>The <em>SSN</em>team is excited to see what the Class of 2020 brings to the security industry in terms of talent, leadership qualities, business acumen, tech-savviness and commitment to our industry, as well as celebrate them accordingly with: </p>
<p>· A special ceremony at <a href="https://www.securitynext.com/">SecurityNext</a>; </p>
<p>· A personalized profile on our website and in the October and November 2020 issues of <em>Security Systems News</em>. </p>
<p>· A special logo to use in email signatures, on social media, etc., establishing them as part of our Class of 2020; and </p>
<p>· Opportunities to be interviewed and quoted in our future endeavors to help further establish them as industry thought-leaders.</p>
<p>“Colleagues, friends and even yourself should nominate for this renowned award that recognizes hard work, leadership, integrity, dedication to their field and true passion for that is done in the field day in and day out, while being committed and making a huge influence in the field,” Guarneri encouraged. “A person can have one year or 25 years on the job to exhibit some of the characteristics listed to enter SSN’s ’40 under 40’ Class of 2020.”</p>
<p>To be eligible for SSN’s ’40 under 40’ Class of 2020, nominees must have been born in 1980 or later; work at a system integration firm, alarm installation company or central monitoring center; work in a security professional role for an end user; or be a security industry consultant; and complete/submit the <a href="https://bit.ly/2yBKW7f">online nomination form</a>.</p>
<p>“Each year a special and entirely new class enters,” Guarneri explained. “The award is far from a ‘life-time’ achievement award, but rather an award that recognizes ‘best’ in class by those that are ‘best in class.’”</p>
<p>*Questions regarding this prestigious award can be directed to SSN Editor, Paul Ragusa, at <a href="mailto:editor@securitysystemsnews.com">editor@securitysystemsnews.com</a> or SSN Managing Editor, Ginger Hill, at <a href="mailto:ghill@securitysystemnews.com">ghill@securitysystemnews.com</a>. </p></div>
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<a href="/taxonomy/term/12226" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Randy Guarneri</a>, </div>
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<a href="/taxonomy/term/11375" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Security Consultants</a>, </div>
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<a href="/taxonomy/term/182" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">monitoring</a>, </div>
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<a href="/taxonomy/term/8945" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">end users</a>, </div>
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<a href="/taxonomy/term/11818" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">artificial intelligence</a>, </div>
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<a href="/taxonomy/term/9043" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Cloud</a>, </div>
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<a href="/taxonomy/term/11798" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Machine Learning</a>, </div>
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<a href="/taxonomy/term/386" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">analytics</a>, </div>
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<a href="/taxonomy/term/1156" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Security Systems News</a> </div>
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<span property="dc:title" content="‘40 under 40’ award nominations open" class="rdf-meta element-hidden"></span>Wed, 13 May 2020 17:35:47 +0000Ginger Hill21015 at http://www.securitysystemsnews.comIndustry associations assess COVID’s impacthttp://www.securitysystemsnews.com/blog/industry-associations-assess-covid-s-impact
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:blogPosts"><a href="/blogs/On-the-Editor%27s-Desk" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">On the Editor&#039;s Desk</a></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:author dc:creator"><a href="/staff/Paul-Ragusa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Paul Ragusa</a></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:datePublished dc:created"><span class="date-display-single" property="schema:datePublished dc:created" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2020-05-06T00:00:00-04:00">05/06/2020</span></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:articleBody content:encoded"><p>Trying to gauge how badly the security industry is being affected by the coronavirus, and figuring out ways to best help us all get through this, is top of mind for everyone.</p>
<p>In the last few weeks, <a href="https://tma.us/">The Monitoring Association (TMA)</a>, the <a href="https://esaweb.org/">Electronic Security Association (ESA)</a> and the <a href="https://www.securityindustry.org/">Security Industry Association (SIA)</a> joined together to conduct a nationwide survey of members in order to better understand the impact COVID-19 has had on electronic security and life safety businesses. This survey confirms the electronic security and life safety is being negatively impacted despite its role as an essential service in our economy.</p>
<p>The results also mirror what we here at <em>Security Systems News</em> have <a href="http://securitysystemsnews.com/article/news-poll-coronavirus-severely-affecting-security-industry">heard from our readers</a>. Furthermore, our <a href="http://securitysystemsnews.com/survey/ssn-news-poll-june-2020">most recent News Poll</a>, which is still open, shows that more than half of respondents are having trouble applying for and getting funding/assistance through the CARES Act. Hopefully, this new round of funding that was just passed will get into the right hands!</p>
<p>Turning our attention back to the findings from the research from TMA, ESA and SIA, it is good to see these top associations coming together to provide this vital info, as well as provide tremendous resources for their members to help support and help them during this time.</p>
<p>“The survey results show a very wide variance due to the differences between Residential and Commercial businesses, as well as revenue sources and the costs to support them,” TMA President Don Young told <em>Security Systems News.</em> “Given that the largest contributors to the survey are the commercial integration companies and manufacturers, it should be considered carefully before assuming too much from the data, without more clarity on segmentation. Lastly, there are also geographic disparities that would also impact the results such as from ‘hot spots,’ or areas barely affected by the pandemic. As always with the law of averages, we just need to appreciate that dividing the highest and lowest numbers in these areas does not necessarily represent a majority opinion.”</p>
<p>Some of the initial quick figures from their survey include:<br />• 21-30 percent loss of revenue is the median reported for all respondents. More than 60 percent of respondents reported losing this much or more of their revenue.<br />• Less than 4 percent of respondents were denied the “essential service” label in their jurisdictions.<br />• 31-40 percent denial of access to job sites for service/testing/inspections/maintenance was the median for residential integrators, compared to 21-30 percent for commercial integrators</p>
<p>A cross-section of the industry represented itself in the responses as follows:<br />Market Segments Responses</p>
<ul>
<li>Residential Integration 27%</li>
<li>Commercial Integration 49%</li>
<li>Monitoring Center 11%</li>
<li>Manufacturer 41%</li>
<li> Distributor 11%</li>
<li>Manufacturer Representative 5.7%</li>
<li>Individual/Specifier/Consultant 19%</li>
<li>Other Security Provider 19%</li>
</ul>
<p>Looking closer at the overall impact so far, more than 56 percent of respondents reported having to reduce hours or layoff less than 10 percent of their employees. On the other end of the scale, 13 percent of all respondents were forced to reduce hours, furlough or layoff more than 90 percent of their employees.</p>
<p>On the positive side, less than 4 percent of survey respondents reported that their businesses were denied access as an “essential service” in their jurisdictions.</p>
<p><strong>Impact on Residential and Commercial Integrators</strong></p>
<p>The survey found that the median loss of revenue reported by residential integrators was 31-40 percent, while the median loss of revenue reported by commercial integrators was 21-30 percent, with the majority of integrators — more than 70 percent — losing less than half of their revenue.</p>
<p>The reported levels for denial of access to job sites for service/testing/inspections/maintenance in each segment correlate with these figures, with residential integrators reporting a median denial rate of 31-40 percent while the median denial rate for commercial integrators was 21-30 percent.</p>
<p>The denial of access seems to contribute to income loss for most integrators, though, as more than 80 percent report some level of interrupted access, according to the findings.</p>
<p>Survey responses confirm the observation many have already made: gaining access to residential customers’ homes has been more difficult during this time than access to commercial properties, many of which are unoccupied due to social distancing measures. This could contribute to lower demand for residential services during the pandemic.</p>
<p>When asked how industry associations could continue to help businesses weather this storm, respondents most frequently expressed their desire for opportunities to connect and continued updates on the latest information related to winning business strategies, economic assistance and industry trends.<br /> </p></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject"><a href="/topic/General-News" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">General News</a></div>
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<div class="commasep field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/coronavirus" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Coronavirus</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item odd" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/12191" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Security Industry Association (SIA)</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/12604" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Electronic Security Association (ESA)</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item odd" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/11983" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">The Monitoring Association (TMA)</a> </div>
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<span property="dc:title" content="Industry associations assess COVID’s impact" class="rdf-meta element-hidden"></span>Wed, 06 May 2020 15:15:23 +0000Paul Ragusa21005 at http://www.securitysystemsnews.comConnecting during a crisishttp://www.securitysystemsnews.com/blog/connecting-during-crisis
<div class="field field-name-field-blogname field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden clearfix">
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:blogPosts"><a href="/blogs/Monitoring-Matters" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Monitoring Matters</a></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:author dc:creator"><a href="/staff/Ginger-Hill" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ginger Hill</a></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:datePublished dc:created"><span class="date-display-single" property="schema:datePublished dc:created" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2020-04-29T00:00:00-04:00">04/29/2020</span></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:articleBody content:encoded"><p>I venture to say that the “corona-crisis” is not the first “crisis” you’ve had to deal with as a business owner, employee, parent, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle … nor will it probably be the last. That’s not thinking negatively, either; that’s just based on the uncertainty of life and the human inability to predict the future. </p>
<p>So, here’s the deal … we are all coping with the same coronavirus crisis right now and that is the one common denominator that we all have with each other, the “crisis connection,” if you will. But, it’s how you communicate with others during this time that will deem you a success or a failure, professionally and personally.</p>
<p>I recently sat in on a <a href="https://www.securityindustry.org/webinar/marketingshare-how-to-manage-sales-marketing-and-communications-during-uncertain-times/?utm_source=Informz&amp;utm_medium=Email&amp;utm_campaign=sia%2C%20security%20industry%2C%20security%20industry%20association&amp;_zs=OD9Xa&amp;_zl=4AT42">SIA MarketShare webinar</a> with Janet Fenner, SIA Membership and Marketing Committee and member, SIA Board of Directors; Kevin Friedman, principal, Maize Marketing and Jody Ross, vice president of sales, AMAG and member, SIA Board of Directors, and their overall combined message really resonated with me as they emphasized the importance of being empathetic.</p>
<p>“We’re learning as we go,” Friedman said, “it’s really about empathy and being empathetic toward our customers and our employees and our sales staff, and showcasing this is one thing we’re all in together.” </p>
<p>When I was a teacher, I learned that a student doesn’t care what you’re trying to teach them or say to them, if the student doesn’t feel, know and understand that you generally, authentically care — nothing else you try to do with that student matters. A barrier has been placed, blocking all efforts. And, trust me, if you fake it, they know. The same holds true in all human-to-human relationships. </p>
<p>“Instead of trying to go for the sale, go for checking in on them [customers]," Fenner said. “Make sure that they’re okay; they’re families are okay; and the more you speak with them, you learn about what their ‘after normalcy’ is going to look like, so you know how to support their efforts.” </p>
<p>Ross added the importance of listening. “You have to listen to them [customers] and again, empathy,” she said. “You can’t be a bulldog moving forward and pushing them [customers] right now. Everyone is struggling. So, you have to listen.” </p>
<p>So, what exactly is empathy? It’s simply the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. We’re all going through the same coronavirus situation; this common denominator gives us the ability to literally understand what others are going through. People are craving connection right now, and it’s the companies and businesses who take the time to authentically reach out and listen, hear and understand what others are saying that will come out of this pandemic ahead with strong partnerships and relationships in place.</p>
<p>This isn’t the time for simply “hi, how are you?” with the typical reply of “I’m good.” Nor is it “about pushing product down throats; it’s about checking in … let’s just talk in ‘normal,’” Friedman said.</p></div>
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<div class="commasep field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/coronavirus" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Coronavirus</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item odd" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/12591" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">COVID</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/12530" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">COVID-19</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item odd" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/12592" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">communications</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/4686" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Security Industry Alarm Association</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item odd" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/4211" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Jody Ross</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/1130" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">AMAG</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item odd" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/8414" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Janet Fenner</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/12271" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kevin Friedman</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item odd" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/12270" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Maize Marketing</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/1008" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">webinar</a> </div>
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<span property="dc:title" content="Connecting during a crisis" class="rdf-meta element-hidden"></span>Wed, 29 Apr 2020 18:55:39 +0000Ginger Hill20998 at http://www.securitysystemsnews.comConsultants partner to create guidelines for getting back to workhttp://www.securitysystemsnews.com/blog/consultants-partner-create-guidelines-getting-back-work
<div class="field field-name-field-blogname field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden clearfix">
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:blogPosts"><a href="/blogs/On-the-Editor%27s-Desk" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">On the Editor&#039;s Desk</a></div>
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<div class="field field-name-field-blogger field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden clearfix">
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:author dc:creator"><a href="/staff/Paul-Ragusa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Paul Ragusa</a></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:datePublished dc:created"><span class="date-display-single" property="schema:datePublished dc:created" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2020-04-22T00:00:00-04:00">04/22/2020</span></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:articleBody content:encoded"><p>With so much debate and uncertainty today about when and how America can safely go back to work, it was a pleasant surprise — even some relief — to see an email from my friends over at ESI Convergent, LLC and Butchko Inc., two security consulting firms, who have partnered to develop the <a href="https://nebula.wsimg.com/383959a2987a2f186bda4096dab71cb8?AccessKeyId=EBA510C6AF97E3B09C3F&amp;disposition=0&amp;alloworigin=1">STEPS partnership program to Bring America Back to Work</a>, a guide to provide a safe path forward as the American workforce gradually gets back to business as usual. The group presented their comprehensively detailed and clear and concise resource guide to government, state and local agencies earlier this week.</p>
<p>“We brought together leaders in the safety, security and entry business to help define our detailed plan,” Butchko Inc. President &amp; CEO Benjamin M. Butchko told <em>Security Systems News</em>. “It will take determination and effort, but with pragmatic steps, we can overcome the economic turmoil resulting from Covid-19.”</p>
<p>Some of the industry leaders assembled to help with this guide include industry consultant and <a href="http://securitysystemsnews.com/article/bill-bozeman-jim-henry-receive-security-legend-award">SSN Security Legend Award winner Jim Henry</a>, Sage Integration’s Rick Leighton and Building Intelligence Inc. CEO Jeff Friedman, to name just a few.</p>
<p>ESI Convergent, LLC CEO Mark R. Perkins, said in the opening letter introducing the program that the goal of bringing this group of “renowned security and safety professionals” together was to create a process that the group hopes “will enable our great nation to get back to work again,” he said. “The process of reuniting us with our normal process will be a daunting task but we believe with practical and safe adherence to processes that not only have been part of our daily work lives but are adjusted to the new norm we can make this a smooth transition. This process was created as a way to partner with our government and local agencies to become part of what we call the STEPS Partnership with America.”</p>
<p>Using the STEPS acronym, the Partnering with Americans to get America Back to Work in the COVID-19 era program focuses on:</p>
<p><strong>S</strong>ocial Distancing Policy<br />• CDC defined and implemented<br />• Federal and State Guidelines<br /><strong>T</strong>esting Guidelines for employees and visitors<br />• Government Medical Alliances<br />• Drug Testing Guidelines<br /><strong>E</strong>ntry Assessment Program (EAP)<br />• bSMART Guidelines<br />• Security Consultants<br /><strong>P</strong>rivacy Policy (PP)<br />• Properly managing high risk individuals<br />• Existing Legal Precedent<br /><strong>S</strong>tay Home / Work-From-Home (WFH)<br />• Incentive Program<br />• Government/Private Partnership</p>
<p>As the group points out in the guide, “the greatest challenge is doing the right things now, and not allowing missteps and future mistakes to erode momentum in getting Americans back to work. With all the misinformation, negative perspectives, and social media influences, it is necessary to put forth a plan that substantially alleviates or eliminates any reasons not to go back to work. In this way, people who are skeptical and fearful of returning to work can be reassured that the right STEPS are being taken to assure their health, privacy and wellbeing.”</p>
<p>The guide also includes some great resources, such as the Testing Bill of Rights, as well as The Coronavirus Measurement and Positive Alert System (COMPAS), a COTS-based system designed to safely provide rapid field results and a common operating picture during both natural and manmade emergencies, including disease pandemics.</p>
<p>The COMPAS field sensor system provides immediate analysis and results indication to operators and consists of a thermal imager, calibration reference, field test controller, and an optional auxiliary data workstation. The touch-free operation and remote set-back deployment flexibility simultaneously maintains safety for test subjects while reducing operator exposure and personal protective equipment (PPE) demands. The field test controller operates from both Android and iOS operating systems for immediate local analysis, results reporting, and automated analysis algorithm enhancements developed through system-wide data analysis.</p>
<p>“The STEPS program is all about creating confidence and trust between business owners and employees, and between small businesses and customers," said Perkins. "It’s about eliminating confusion, especially as it pertains to COVID-19, and returning to a healthy work environment and returning to consuming goods and services. We can’t ask business owners to do more than they can do. We can only ask them to follow some easy guidelines and do the best they can do with what they have.”</p></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject"><a href="/topic/Commercial-and-Systems-Integrators" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Commercial and Systems Integrators</a></div>
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<div class="commasep field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/12530" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">COVID-19</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item odd" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/coronavirus" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Coronavirus</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/12573" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Back to Work</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item odd" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/12574" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">ESI Convergent LLC</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/12575" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Butchko Inc.</a> </div>
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<span property="dc:title" content="Consultants partner to create guidelines for getting back to work" class="rdf-meta element-hidden"></span>Wed, 22 Apr 2020 19:09:49 +0000Paul Ragusa20980 at http://www.securitysystemsnews.comBeing nimble in trying timeshttp://www.securitysystemsnews.com/blog/being-nimble-trying-times
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:blogPosts"><a href="/blogs/Monitoring-Matters" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Monitoring Matters</a></div>
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<div class="field field-name-field-blogger field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden clearfix">
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:author dc:creator"><a href="/staff/Ginger-Hill" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ginger Hill</a></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:datePublished dc:created"><span class="date-display-single" property="schema:datePublished dc:created" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2020-04-15T00:00:00-04:00">04/15/2020</span></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:articleBody content:encoded"><p>I’ve been hearing and seeing the use of the word “nimble” lately when it comes to security <a href="http://www.securitysystemsnews.com/blog/business-continuity-cybersecurity-tips-and-valuable-resources">businesses continuing their success</a> during this trying time of the coronavirus, working from home and social distancing as our new norm. A recent example comes from an <a href="http://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/business-resiliency-during-crisis">online panel organized by Arcules</a> in which Ryan Schonfeld, founder &amp; CEO of RAS Security Group and <a href="http://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/40-under-40-class-2019-ryan-schonfeld-33">SSN “40 under 40” class of 2019</a> said: “ … I think being able to be <strong>nimble </strong>and adapt to changes quickly is going to be critical.” </p>
<p>What does “nimble” actually mean and how can it be used in business? </p>
<p>According to Merriam-Webster, nimble is an adjective that means quick and light in motion, like being agile as well as marked by quick, alert, clever conception or resourcefulness, responsive and sensitive. </p>
<p>For me, the word nimble brings back memories of nursery rhymes — “Jack be nimble; Jack be quick; Jack jump over the candlestick.” Which, you’re jumping over fire, it’s a good quality to be “light in motion, agile.” </p>
<p>Let’s suppose for a minute that the candlestick in full flame in this age-old “rap” is 6-foot-tall and represents the coronavirus and let’s pretend you’re Jack, a well-dressed, savvy, security-industry business man (or woman, “Jackaline”). The only thing holding you back from your next million-dollar deal is a 6-foot burning candle right in front of your face. </p>
<p>You can see the wax melting, drip by drip and feel the heat from the flame. You have no room to back up and gain momentum as you run forward to leap over it; there’s no room on either side to sneak past; there’s no way under it; there is no sort of hoist to lift you over dangling from the ceiling … it’s just you and a 6-foot burning candle. What are you doing to do? </p>
<p>Simple. Be nimble. Be quick, agile, clever and resourceful. Be responsive yet sensitive. </p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Quick</strong> – fast in development … make/devise a plan. </li>
<li><strong>Agile</strong> – well coordinated in movement … effectively execute the plan.</li>
<li><strong>Clever</strong> – mentally bright, sharp intelligence … use the things you’ve learned in the past, and don’t be afraid to try and learn new things.</li>
<li><strong>Resourceful</strong> – capable of devising a way … don’t second guess yourself; once you’ve made a plan, stick to it, but also be “responsive” to your plan. </li>
<li><strong>Responsive</strong> – being prompt and willing … ready and inclined to take charge and make changes if necessary to your plan, business, personal life, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Sensitive</strong> – aware of and responsive to the feelings of others … consider your employees and customers needs, and do whatever you can to help. </li>
</ol></div>
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<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
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<div class="commasep field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/12530" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">COVID-19</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item odd" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/coronavirus" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Coronavirus</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/11515" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Arcules</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item odd" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/11081" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ryan Schonfeld</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/12222" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">40 under 40 Class of 2019</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item odd" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/12215" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">40 under 40</a>, </div>
<div class="commasep field-item even" property="schema:about dc:subject">
<a href="/taxonomy/term/12516" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">business continuity</a> </div>
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<span property="dc:title" content="Being nimble in trying times" class="rdf-meta element-hidden"></span>Wed, 15 Apr 2020 16:21:08 +0000Ginger Hill20967 at http://www.securitysystemsnews.comCyber breach fatigue breeds complacencyhttp://www.securitysystemsnews.com/blog/cyber-breach-fatigue-breeds-complacency
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:blogPosts"><a href="/blogs/Monitoring-Matters" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Monitoring Matters</a></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:author dc:creator"><a href="/staff/Ginger-Hill" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ginger Hill</a></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:datePublished dc:created"><span class="date-display-single" property="schema:datePublished dc:created" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2020-04-08T00:00:00-04:00">04/08/2020</span></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:articleBody content:encoded"><p>One thing I’ve noticed throughout this whole COVID-19 pandemic is the increase in cybersecurity hardening tips, tricks and solutions promoted on social media, adding to the already seemingly constant mentioning and discussion of data breaches taking place all over the globe. The more people see or hear of something, the less likely they are to take notice and actually do something.</p>
<p>Take the car alarm as an example. When this technology first became popular, very few people had heard the sound that a car alarm makes, so when it went off, people took notice. Now, in present day, car alarms are hardly even noticed, perhaps only when one is going off outside our bedroom window at 2 a.m. </p>
<p>Therefore, it’s easy to understand how people can become fatigued with cyber breaches and why complacency can result. Of course, this is right up cybercriminals’ alleys. As consumers become more and more desensitized to data breaches, the more each becomes just “noise,” and not a thing to take seriously. </p>
<p>I recently sat in on a virtual Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) panel discussion, “Cyber Breach Fatigue,” to gain more information. Panelists included Rhonda Bricco, service delivery manager and Cat Goodfellow, cyber engineering director, both at UnitedHealth Group and at Optum, Deb Doffing, information security, technology management professional and Sue Perkins, general management director.</p>
<p>Fact: During Q1-Q3 of 2019, 5,183 cyber breaches were publicly disclosed, resulting in 7.9 billion exposed records.</p>
<p>“A billion, a trillion … I don’t think the number of exposed records moves the needle anymore,” Goodfellow said. “I doubt there’s an adult today who’s personal information hasn’t been inadvertently released.” </p>
<p>The thing is, unless you’ve been personally affected by a data breach and/or suffering a painful experience as the result, then, more than likely, reports seen about data breaches in all media outlets become just meaningless background noise. </p>
<p>“A lot of [people] out there are becoming apathetic and despondent, and these breaches are becoming the norm, especially when the breaches are caused from a huge range of skills, from teenagers to very sophisticated teams extracting or manipulating information,” Doffing said. </p>
<p>And, now for the “elephant in the room,” COVID-19. This pandemic has prompted <a href="http://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/cybercriminals-target-remote-workers-during-pandemic">breaches and phishing campaigns</a> like never before seen. </p>
<p>“We really need to pay attention and educate how important it is to be diligent during this time because people are really getting damaged personally, just with a click of the mouse,” Bricco warned. </p>
<p>In the current virtual landscape and moving into the future, we all must fight cyber breach fatigue and complacency. It’s time to once and for all acknowledge that data breaches will happen; they impact lives; and there are actions to take to prevent personal data from getting breached/stolen, so complacency isn’t an option. </p>
<p>“Understand the cost [not just financially] of potential breaches … and the risk of that breach,” Perkins said, “understanding these two components helps people understand what needs to be done.” </p>
<p>Make now the time you took control of your personal information by taking action:</p>
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<li>Demonstrate good password hygiene by using strong, different passwords for each log in.</li>
<li>Use different user IDs for each of your accounts. </li>
<li>Don’t click on unknown URLs.</li>
<li>Be careful what you put out there about yourself and your family, including pictures, on social media platforms. </li>
<li>Be mindful on what ads you click on. Cybercriminals watch these habits, learn what you like and then use that against you, for example, via a <a href="http://www.securitysystemsnews.com/blog/phishing-smishing-and-vishing-what-do-they-mean-and-how-protect-yourself">phish, vish or smish</a>. </li>
<li>Become more cybersecurity minded by asking for and researching security tool recommendations from trusted colleagues and friends.</li>
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<span property="dc:title" content="Cyber breach fatigue breeds complacency" class="rdf-meta element-hidden"></span>Wed, 08 Apr 2020 18:40:03 +0000Ginger Hill20960 at http://www.securitysystemsnews.comDIY will continue its rapid rise during crisishttp://www.securitysystemsnews.com/blog/diy-will-continue-its-rapid-rise-during-crisis
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:blogPosts"><a href="/blogs/On-the-Editor%27s-Desk" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">On the Editor&#039;s Desk</a></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:author dc:creator"><a href="/staff/Paul-Ragusa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Paul Ragusa</a></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:datePublished dc:created"><span class="date-display-single" property="schema:datePublished dc:created" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2020-04-01T00:00:00-04:00">04/01/2020</span></div>
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<div class="field-item even" property="schema:articleBody content:encoded"><p>With most of us “sheltering at home,” and relying more and more on our devices to stay connected for work and family and friends, bandwidth limits in households across the U.S., and the globe, are being tested, to say the least.</p>
<p>I know in my household, we probably have twice as many devices connected now, all day and night long. It can be draining both technologically speaking and emotionally as well, as I know many of us (especially those with spouses working from home and children learning remotely) are finding out.</p>
<p>With so many of us at home for the foreseeable future, I see a continued rise in DIY security solutions and other connected devices, which were already seeing a rise in demand before the outbreak. For example, among consumers who acquired their security system less than two years ago, 60 percent are self-installed, compared to only seven percent of systems purchased more than six years ago, according to new research from Parks Associates.</p>
<p>The research firm’s DIY Home Security Tracker finds that DIY security systems are taking a larger share of the residential security market due to their growing popularity among security households.</p>
<p>“Most DIY households use professional monitoring services, but currently 63 percent of these DIY systems have had their monitoring subscription for less than two years,” Parks Associates Senior Analyst Dina Abdelrazik said. “Most DIY security owners are also self-installing add-on smart home devices, so companies are expanding their product lines to meet consumer demand, including Abode, Array by Hampton and Blue by ADT. This demand for an easy-to-install, integrated solution is becoming more prevalent in the Apple HomeKit ecosystem, with more DIY security systems and camera-related devices releasing product lines compatible with this ecosystem.”</p>
<p>The traditional residential security channel is dominated by professionally installed, professionally monitored systems, but smart home device manufacturers are increasingly extending into the security space, Parks noted. Currently 33 percent of U.S. broadband households own a security system, up from 28 percent in 2018.</p>
<p>It will be interesting to see how long it will take before things get back to normal, with business as usual, and the overall impact, whether short-lived or lasting, this extended crisis will have on consumer spending trends in the home.</p>
<p>And on a deeper level: Do we become a society that sinks deeper into using technology as our main, or even only, way to connect with people, or do we get back to a time when meeting face-to-face — and forging meaningful and lasting connections — was worth its weight in gold?</p>
<p>Only time will tell.</p></div>
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<span property="dc:title" content="DIY will continue its rapid rise during crisis" class="rdf-meta element-hidden"></span>Wed, 01 Apr 2020 18:35:51 +0000Paul Ragusa20951 at http://www.securitysystemsnews.com